League Two preview

Dale aim to increase lead at the top

By Steve Pass   Last updated: 18th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

League Two preview

Hill: Home tie

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Aldershot P Bradford P
Bury v Macclesfield
Crewe v Torquay
Darlington v Northampton
Port Vale v Chesterfield
Rochdale v Shrewsbury
Rotherham v Dagenham

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Table-toppers Rochdale take on play-off chasing Shrewsbury on Saturday, while rock-bottom Darlington host Northampton.

Keith Hill's in-form Rochdale side are now four points clear at the top on the back of a five-game winning run.

They next take on Shrewsbury at Spotland - although this tie is subject to a pitch inspection at 10am on Saturday - and will fancy their chances if the game goes ahead as the Shrews have now failed to win on their last five league games on the road.

Third-placed Rotherham take on fourth-placed Dagenham in an intriguing top-of-the-table clash, although again this tie must survive a pitch inspection at 9am on Saturday.

Both sides go into the game with the same recent league form - a loss, a draw and then a win - although the Millers are favourites given they are unbeaten in the league at home this term.

There is also a pitch inspection on Saturday at 10.30am as fifth-placed Chesterfield look to cement their place in the play-offs at mid-table Port Vale.

The Spireites will be buoyed by their success over Cheltenham last time, while the Valiants have not tasted victory at home in seven league attempts.

Jump

With Notts County not playing until Monday, ninth-placed Bury could sit in the play-offs by Saturday tea-time with victory over Macclesfield.

Alan Knill's side lost 3-1 at Dagenham last time while the Silkmen won by the same scoreline at home to Hereford.

But the Shakers will still be confident given they are unbeaten at Gigg Lane in six attempts in the league - winning four.

In-form Crewe take on Torquay looking to make it six games unbeaten in the league, but it will be tough as the Gulls have won their last two league and cup games, scoring nine while not conceding.

Mid-table Burton will be aiming to build on their 6-1 thrashing of Aldershot last time when they travel to lowly Cheltenham, who have not won in three outings in the league.

Bottom

Down at the bottom, Darlington take on Northampton - subject to a pitch inspection at 9pm on Saturday - trying to record their third victory of the campaign.

But Steve Staunton's side have lost five on the bounce - shipping 15 goals in the process - although the out-of-form Cobblers have not won in seven games in the league themselves.

Saturday's other game between Aldershot and Bradford has already been called off due to a frozen pitch.

Second-placed Bournemouth take on sixth-placed Notts County in a top-of-the-table clash on Monday, which is being shown live on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports HD2 at 7.45pm.

The Magpies may be managerless going into the game but will take confidence from their 2-1 success when they last visited Dean Court in the FA Cup on 28th November.